Fractionating plate construction



Feb. 24, 1942,. COOK Em 2,274,041 FRACTIQNATING PLATE CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 10, 1940 Patented Feb. 24, 1942 FRACTIONATING PLATE CONSTRUCTION George B. Cook, Summit, and Joseph V. Maran- .cik, Roselle, N. J., assignors to Standard Oil Development Company, a corporation of Del-' aware Application August 10, 1940, Serial No. 352,066

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improvement in bubble trays for fractionation towers, and more particularly to a means for leveling such trays or plates, and for providing additional flowthrough the tower. I

Referring to the drawing, ther is illustratedwelding or equivalent means. Although as shown,

the member 2' has a U-shaped cross section, it may be of any convenient form. Atintervals around the support surface bolt holes are drilled to receive leveling bolts3, having a head portion 3a and a lock nut 3b.

The bubble plate 4 may be of a' substantially conventional type, except that it should be provided with a continuous flange portion or curb 4a around its periphery, and should be of a diameter slightly less than that of thetower l. The plate 4 rests on the head portions 3a of the leveling bolts, which are disposed in such diametric relation, as to obviate displacement of the plate by lateral movement of the plate in any direction. Stopmembers, in the form of wall blocks 5, are secured in spaced relation circumferentially of the tower in order to limit lateral movement of the plate.

Secured to the wall of the tower, in parallel relation to the support 2 and wall I respectively, is an annular L-shaped plate seal 6, having a vertical dependent leg portion 6a. The dimensions of the horizontal and vertical portions of .the member 6 should be such as to provide a chamber intov which the plate curb 4a will fit with a free space between it and the tower Wall as well as the seal portion 6a, with the portion.

low the plate liquid level, which is intended to function in the same manner as the conventional bell caps with which the plate is provided. In order to maintain balanced flow, it is desirable that the slotted area 6b have a direct relation to that of the bubble caps used on the plate.

For example, with a bubble cap having a circum- I l ference of 19 inches, each 19 inches of the seal portion 6a shall have an equivalent slotted area.

Although the-invention has been illustrated by reference to a specific form thereof, it should be obvious that various changes and modifications of the structure described may be made without departing from the inventive concept, and it is not intended that the invention shall be limited except 'as set forth inthe appended claims. I

It is claimed: I

1. In a fractionating. tower, a plate, construction comprising a bell cap plate of a diameter slightly less than that of the tower, having a peripheral curb, an annular support for said plate connected to the tower, including means for adjustably levelling and connecting the plate in the fractionating tower, stop members limiting lateral movement of the plate, and a sealing member, between said curb and the tower wall, having a circumferential slotted area normally disposed below the working level of liquid on the plate.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the means for adjustably levelling the plate are a plurality of bolt members extending vertically through the plate support, disposed in spaced relation circumferentially thereof; and engaging the. lower peripheral edge of said plate.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the circumferential slotted area in said sealing member has a direct proportional relation to the slotted area of the bell caps carried 'by said plate. v

' GEORGE B. COOK.

JOSEPH V. MARANCIK. 

